" It’s magical! Absolutely incredible seeing all these people here to meet me in the sunshine in Les Sables d'Olonne. I’m very pleased and I could feel the tears welling up, when I saw all those motor boats. I’m coming to terms with the fact that I’ve finished and can now rest, but finishing second is something I find hard to get my head around. I think there are several factors, which meant I was second. It was due to sailing the race my way. You need a bit of luck to be able to finish, as it’s a hard race. Not very many of us are completing the race. Coming in just behind Michel Desjoyeaux is wonderful! I could not have dreamed of anything better. The last few days were very difficult with very rough conditions in the Bay of Biscay. Huge waves were breaking over the deck. The protective cover was ripped off, the mainsail car broke off the mast and our mainsail was damaged, but we managed to finish.”

Due to the arrival of Armel Le Cléac'h today’s radio session is cancelled. Instead there will be the live broadcast of Armel Le Cléac'h’s press conference at around 12h00 GMT

200 metres and he holds his breath....ready to celebrate....he is on the helm steering Brit Air... punching the air for last 100 metres, sighting the line... and crosses two fists punched in the air....His shore team go aboard...  Great finish huge relief all round

Race Director, Denis Horeau expressed his satisfaction at the presence of crowds, as he believes Armel fully deserves this magnificent welcome. Armel says a lot of boats around so thinks it will take ten minutes to sail final two miles.  The fleet has been asked to slow and let him clear the line.  Nouch Buoy in sight...

Brit Air is sailing directly into the morning sun, the line is on the horizon. Behind it the long sandy beach of Les Sables.  Less than 3 miles to go...

Armel is pacing the deck like the caged jackal, stopping every few seconds on a different spot to wave to the media and spectators, foredeck, cockpit, stern, deck again, and a wave to the helicopters overhead.  The sea is wintery green blue with wind whipping on the white horses.  Boat looks in good nick, other than the loss of the protective hood at back of coachroof.  He has the spectator boat only 15m off his beam and aboard they are going wild, jumping and waving as we close the line.  The first flares are lit off the spectator boat 2 mins to line.......

Armel is just moving gently along. Main is eased at the moment.  Le Cleac'h is back on deck now and has eased the bow down to pick up a little speed for the media.  Three boats out with him now.  He is sailing downwind now and is on the end of his outrigger putting sponsor flags out.  Stunning pictures in the morning sunshine, shimmering gold of his mainsail as he surfs along now about 9 knots.  he is on the foredeck now acknowledging the fleet out here, with a triumphant wave, the moments he will treasure as he can just about see the finish line, he looks relaxed and happy.

and now on the bow...arms aloft just drinking in this beautiful morning as his Brit Air just pops her bow to surf from time to time, his finish is like he raced, prudent and consistent...big spectator boat is just arriving now......